Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate the alleged ambush and stabbing of two teenage brothers at a Caroline Springs reserve late last month.
Police allege the pair, both aged 15 and from the Melton area, were lured to a park off Garretty Road following an online argument with the other party not personally known to them.
The confrontation escalated into a violent attack about 5.40pm on Tuesday 30 December, where at least one offender was allegedly armed with a machete.
Emergency Services were called to the scene after multiple triple-0 reports from witnesses who saw the group fighting yet those involved had fled the area by the time police had arrived.
The two injured teenagers were shortly located nearby, with one suffering facial injuries and the other sustaining significant slash wounds to his arm and back. Both boys were taken to hospital with serious injuries and are continuing to recover.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted and involved a group of 11 teenagers aged between 15 and 18 years old, with some perceived to be Asian in appearance. Police say seven of the alleged offenders arrived at the location in a black Ford Ranger ute bearing false registration plates DRY686, which was parked nearby Boathouse Drive.
CCTV footage shows eight of the group later leaving the area in the ute, while three others were last seen running towards Lorimer Street about 5.45pm.
Police have released CCTV vision of a group of boys walking through Caroline Springs prior to the attack, along with images of the vehicle in interest in the hope someone may recognise those involved or the distinctive clothing worn by some of the alleged offenders.
The stabbing has again raised community concern about youth violence and the use of bladed weapons in Victoria. Police data shows incidents involving machetes have increased significantly in recent years, with young males accounting for a large proportion of those involved.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
– with AAP
